The New England Patriots secured their spot in Super Bowl LX, defeating the Denver Broncos 10-7 in a nail-biting AFC Championship. This score marks one of the lowest combined points totals in AFC title game history, second only to the Dolphins’ 14-0 win over the Jets in 1982.
The Patriots are heading to their 12th Super Bowl, an NFL record. In a twist of fate, quarterback Drake Maye achieved something that Tom Brady never did: winning a playoff game in Denver. Brady’s record in the Mile High City stands at 0-3, two of those losses occurring in AFC title games.
Now, the Super Bowl awaits, where New England will face either the Seattle Seahawks, who they previously met in Super Bowl XLIX, or the Los Angeles Rams, a familiar foe in Super Bowl history.
The Rams are set to clash with the Seahawks in the NFC Championship, marking their third encounter this season. The teams split their two previous meetings, with the Rams winning 21-19 in Week 11 and the Seahawks holding a dramatic 38-37 victory in Week 16. The Seahawks reached the NFC title game by overpowering the 49ers, winning 41-6. This marks their first appearance in the NFC Championship in 11 years.
With the excitement building, here’s the full playoff schedule.
Championship Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 25
AFC Championship
- (2) Patriots 10-7 over (1) Broncos. The Patriots’ defense showcased its dominance once again, shutting down the Broncos after a touchdown on Denver’s second possession. This standout defensive performance has become a staple for New England. A pivotal moment occurred in the second quarter when they recovered a fumble by Jarrett Stidham at Denver’s 12-yard line, leading to a touchdown run by Maye. While Maye’s passing numbers weren’t extraordinary, he effectively used his legs, including a crucial 7-yard run on third-and-5 to secure the victory.
NFC Championship
- Rams at Seahawks, 6:30 p.m. ET (Fox; Fubo, try for free)
Sunday, Feb. 8
- Patriots vs. Rams/Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California), 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Divisional Round results
Saturday, Jan. 17
- (1) Broncos 33-30 (OT) over (6) Bills. The Broncos displayed a formidable defense all season, a fact underscored by the Bills’ struggles. Josh Allen faced tremendous pressure, resulting in five turnovers. His interception in overtime set up the game-winning drive for Denver, with Bo Nix throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns.
- (1) Seahawks 41-6 over (6) 49ers. A spectacular opening kickoff return for a touchdown by Rashid Shaheed set the tone for this game. The Seahawks defense was relentless, forcing three turnovers and sacking Brock Purdy twice, while Kenneth Walker rushed for 116 yards and three touchdowns.
Sunday, Jan. 18
- (2) Patriots 28-16 over (5) Texans. Despite the Texans having the league’s best defense, it was the Patriots’ defense that shone brightest. New England forced five turnovers, including a pick-six. Maye navigated some fumbles but also delivered a critical 32-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte.
- (5) Rams 20-17 (OT) over (2) Bears. A dramatic finish saw Harrison Mevis kick a 42-yard field goal in overtime. Caleb Williams’ miraculous touchdown pass tied the game, but an interception swung momentum back to the Rams, setting up the winning drive.
Wild Card results
Saturday, Jan. 10
(5) Rams 34-31 over (4) Panthers
- Rams vs. Panthers recap: With the game on the line, Matthew Stafford led a compelling 71-yard drive culminating in a 19-yard touchdown to Colby Parkinson.
(2) Bears 31-27 over (7) Packers
- Packers vs. Bears recap: The Bears executed a stunning comeback, outscoring the Packers in the final quarter. Caleb Williams made the decisive touchdown pass to DJ Moore, securing a remarkable victory.
Sunday, Jan. 11
(6) Bills 27-24 over (3) Jaguars
- Bills vs. Jaguars recap: Josh Allen orchestrated a late-game drive, scoring a one-yard touchdown. This marked the Bills’ first road playoff win in 33 years.
(6) 49ers 23-19 over (3) Eagles
- 49ers vs. Eagles recap: The 49ers stunned with a road victory against the Eagles, highlighted by key performances from Demarcus Robinson and Christian McCaffrey.
(2) Patriots 16-3 over (7) Chargers
- Chargers vs. Patriots recap: The Patriots’ defense dominated, limiting the Chargers to under 210 total yards and showcasing a strong performance from rookie quarterback Drake Maye in his playoff debut.
Monday, Jan. 12
(5) Texans 30-6 over (4) Steelers
Texans vs. Steelers recap. The Texans’ defense outshone the Steelers, racking up sacks and forcing two fourth-quarter touchdowns that secured a commanding win, marking a franchise first on the road.
